dance \dance\, n. f. danse, of german origin. see dance, v.
   i.
   1. the leaping, tripping, or measured stepping of one who
      dances; an amusement, in which the movements of the
      persons are regulated by art, in figures and in accord
      with music.
      1913 webster

   2. mus. a tune by which dancing is regulated, as the
      minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, etc.
      1913 webster

   note: the word dance was used ironically, by the older
         writers, of many proceedings besides dancing.
         1913 webster

               of remedies of love she knew parchance
               for of that art she couth the olde dance.
                                                  --chaucer.
         1913 webster

   dance of death art, an allegorical representation of the
      power of death over all, -- the old, the young, the high,
      and the low, being led by a dancing skeleton.

   morris dance. see morris.

   to lead one a dance, to cause one to go through a series of
      movements or experiences as if guided by a partner in a
      dance not understood.
      1913 webster
see also:
dance dance of death morris dance morris to lead one a dance 

dance of death
     n : a medieval dance in which a skeleton representing death
         leads a procession of others to the grave syn: danse
         macabre
see also:
danse macabre